Library ...
Gwen began library by reading a new selection called, Spike the Mixed-Up Monster by Susan Hood and illustrated by Melissa Sweet. In this story, the main character Spike, a scary looking salamander living in his native Mexico, keeps trying to scare off other animals. Throughout the story, he meets other indigenous animals to Mexico, and learns that this may not be the best way to make friends. A simple smile changes his way of thinking and he finds out that displaying kindness is much more inviting to others. Throughout the story, the Cardinals had the opportunity to build their beginning Spanish vocabulary as well as identify the animals that can be found in the country of Mexico.
As the Cardinals develop confidence and independence throughout the year, we are challenging them with new roles and responsibilities. Our resource teachers are noticing this growth as well. Today, at Library with Gwen, we had the opportunity to look at books on many different topics and experience what it means to visit the library, select from the different choices, read our choices and then decide if we would like to check the book out. After engaging in this process at our Lower School Library, the Cardinals each made individual decisions and selected one book of interest to them to replenish our classroom library. We selected books representing varying topics, subjects and content areas including our new avenue of exploration into the work of sculpting and creating art of many forms. Then we reviewed our options, made final decisions, and brought our one choice to Gwen's desk to check out. She explained to us that this is the way of sending a message to the computer telling her and others where the book is going!
Continuing our Day...
After returning to our classroom, we gathered on the rug and continued our discussion on art and sculpture. After recording our thoughts and ideas on sculpture on a Language Experience Chart sparked by the question, "What is a sculpture?", the teachers introduced a new media to enhance our study.
Paula began by taking out a blue mailable dough. She showed the process of shaping, cutting, and sculpting with her hands as her only tool. The children watched as Paula intentionally made choices on her creation, assembling together a face with eyes, a mouth and a nose. Paula was even able to display feelings as she first created a happy face and then decided to change it. She slowly repeated the process of rolling out a small ball of dough to create larger tubes or shapes depending on what was needed for our sculpture. During Choice Time, the children visited the dough center, engaging in the artistic process using only their hands to create sculptures and 3-D depictions of different objects.
After Choice Time we enjoyed the warm weather exploring in our Outdoor playground. We have been adding new and interesting items to our outdoor space for children to use in their exploration, discovery and play. The children enjoyed incorporating the Hula Hoops and small plastic animals in their play. We returned inside to read Degas and the Little Dancer by Laurence Anholt. This story's plot provided a realistic and meaningful connection to the sculpting process that one might go through. It tells the story of Marie, a young dancer who takes lessons at the studio and models for the artist, Edgar Degas. As the story continues, Marie feels empathy for Degas who goes through struggles but still works to create a beautiful sculpture which many people come to admire and examine after its completion. This statue makes Marie one of the most famous dancers of the time. This story is a wonderful and appropriate introduction to the life and work of Edgar Degas, a nineteenth century French Impressionist.
As we are navigating our way through this study of art and sculpture, take the opportunity to view artwork whenever the opportunity arises (using the computer and Internet as a resource, nearby museums, or even just statues and sculptures seen throughout the neighborhood). Engage your child in discussions surrounding what they see, challenging them to explain to you what they like best or to describe how they think a sculpture or piece of art like that could be made!
